Florida panther found dead on U.S. 27

A controversial proposal to develop a huge tract of panther habitat in southwest Florida has triggered intense reaction, including from Orlando environmentalists who fought to stop hunting of bears and now want further protections for the state animal.

A controversial proposal to develop a huge tract of panther habitat in southwest Florida has triggered intense reaction, including from Orlando environmentalists who fought to stop hunting of bears and now want further protections for the state animal.

Officials say a Florida panther has been found dead from an apparent vehicle strike in Highlands County.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that the 3-year-old male cat's body was found Tuesday on U.S. Highway 27. The remains will be taken to a Gainesville facility for a necropsy.

A total of 34 Florida panthers have been found dead in 2016, with 26 road fatalities.

Florida panthers once roamed the entire southeastern U.S., but only about 180 remain in the wild.